73 Open Source Apps You Can Use in the Cloud

These days it’s hard to talk about enterprise IT without talking about cloud computing. A recent survey found that 33 percent of businesses surveyed were already using cloud computing services and an additional 40 percent were in the planning and evaluation stages of a cloud computing project.

As the corporate world has embraced the cloud, so have many parts of the open source community. Several groups have built open source infrastructure and management tools that allow organizations to set up and maintain a cloud computing environment. In addition, the growing acceptance of software as a service (SaaS) has provided many project owners with a viable way to make money while still adhering to their open source principles.

This month, we’re updating our list of open source cloud computing apps that we last published about a year and a half ago. Not surprisingly, our list has grown quite a bit longer as more and more open source projects move to the cloud. Please note that in some cases the “cloud” versions of these applications contain additional features and/or proprietary code that isn’t included in the open source version. We included such projects in our list as long as they were largely based on projects with the source available under an open source license.

Feel free to use the comments section below to note additional open source apps that are available on an SaaS basis or that help administrators manage cloud environments.

Backup

1. Amanda/Zmanda

The “most popular open source backup and recovery software in the world,” Amanda protects hundreds of thousands of systems. Zmanda offers a cloud-based service that utilizes the same software to store backup data on Amazon’s cloud. Operating System: Windows.

Big Data Tools

2. Hadoop

Apache’s Hadoop project offers distributed processing of extremely large data sets and is popular with organizations that operate cloud environments. Well-known users include Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, AOL, Facebook, Google, Hulu, Spotify and many others. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

3. GridGain

This alternative Hadoop MapReduce is a Java-based, open source platform for processing big data in real time. It comes in community, enterprise and OEM versions, but the “CloudBoot” feature is only available in the paid versions. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Business Intelligence

4. Jaspersoft

“The world’s most widely used business intelligence software,” Jaspersoft has an award-wining cloud solution with more than 100 customers. The company also offers BI solutions tailored for SaaS and PaaS providers. Operating System: OS Independent.

5. OpenI

This business intelligence platform boasts that it can take you from “data to insights in 72 hours with open source.” OpenI solutions can be deployed on premises or on Amazon Web Services’ cloud. Operating System: OS Independent.

Business Process Management

6. ProcessMaker

Used by organization like Toyota, Lenovo, Lehman College, ADL and others, ProcessMaker is a Web-based BPM solution that makes it easy to map out workflows. In addition to the open source version, it comes in three cloud-based paid versions. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

7. Intalio BPMS

The “world’s most widely deployed Business Process Management System,” Intalio BPMS comes in community and enterprise editions. The same company also offers IntalioBPM, a cloud-based version based on the same underlying technology. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Cloud Infrastructure

8. OpenStack

OpenStack provides the technologies necessary to build both private and public clouds, with a goal of standardizing cloud computing infrastructure. Founded by Nasa and Rackspace, it now counts numerous major technology companies among its backers.

9. CloudStack

Like OpenStack, CloudStack provides the underlying infrastructure and management tools for enterprises or service providers to build a cloud computing environment. Key features include support for multiple hypervisors, massive scalability, an easy-to-use Web interface and a RESTful API. Operating System: OS Independent

10. OpenNebula

Downloaded more than 5,000 times per month, OpenNebula claims to be the “most powerful open solution to enable private and hybrid clouds.” It offers flexible tools to manage virtualized data centers. Operating System: Linux.

11. Eucalyptus

“The world’s most widely deployed IaaS cloud platform,” Eucalyptus enables users to build their own IaaS environment without adding new hardware or retooling their current infrastructure. It’s also compatible with the Amazon Web Services API, enabling the creation of hybrid clouds. Operating System: Linux.

12. AppScale

AppScale offers an open source version of the Google App Engine. It supports Python, Java, and Go, and you can run it on Amazon EC2. Operating System: Linux.

13. Scalr

This cloud management software boasts more than 6,000 users, and it supports Amazon Web Services, Rackspace, Nimbula, Eucalyptus and CloudStack. In addition to the open source version, it comes in an enterprise version and multiple hosted versions ranging from the “Seed” version for up to five servers to the “World Domination” version for more than 80 servers. Operating System: Linux.

14. FOSS-Cloud

This newer tool supports both public and private cloud creation and both desktop and server virtualization. It claims to be able to save users 20 percent compared to commercial virtualization solutions. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Cloud Desktop

15. eyeOS

Downloaded more than one million times, eyeOS calls itself “the world’s #1 Cloud Desktop.” In addition to the open source version, it is also now available in a paid professional edition. Operating System: Linux.

16. ownCloud

This project aims to help individuals or businesses build their own clouds for storing their files, music, pictures and calendar information. You can host it on your own server or use one of the service providers mentioned on the site who offer free hosting. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Content Management

17. Alfresco

Similar to Microsoft SharePoint, Alfresco offers content management, document management, records management and enterprise collaboration capabilities. The company is currently offering a free beta SaaS version and plans to expand its cloud offering soon. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

18. MindTouch

MindTouch enables the creation of social help websites, and it’s used by customers like PayPal, Mozilla and Intuit. The Core software is open source, or you can purchase MindTouch on an SaaS basis. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

19. SugarCRM

This CRM system’s impressive client list includes Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Avis, Men’s Wearhouse and other well-known companies. In addition to the open source version, it comes in multiple cloud-based and on-premise versions. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

20. vTiger

Used by more than 100,000 companies, this CRM tool also includes invoicing, reporting, sales force automation and project management capabilities. The hosted vTiger On Demand version resides on Amazon’s servers and comes with a free 15-day trial. Operating System: Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.

21. Orange Leap/MPX

Designed for non-profit organizations, Orange Leap offers “constituent relationship management” with specific features that aim to improve fundraising. It comes in an SaaS version, and commercial support is also available for the on-premise, open source version. Operating System: Windows.

22. SourceTap

SourceTap describes itself as “a highly flexible Sales Force Automation (SFA) tool that meets both the needs of sales managers and the sales rep.” It’s available under either a commercial or an open source license, and the company also offers an on-demand subscription service that also provides users with full access to the source code. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

23. SplendidCRM

The community version of this software offers basic CRM features, but you’ll need to purchase the professional or enterprise version if you want reporting, order management and other advanced features. Community, professional and enterprise versions can be deployed on-premise or used in the cloud. Operating System: Windows.

24. ConcourseSuite

Java-based ConcourseSuite offers a 360° view of your customers, incorporating sales, marketing and customer service perspectives. Unlike most CRM apps, the cloud version is priced on storage and bandwidth, not per user. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

25. Covide

This CRM solution promises to improve business productivity up to 30 percent while lowering costs. In addition to the open source server version, it’s also available on an SaaS basis with prices in euros. Operating System: Windows, OS X, Unix

Database

26. Riak

Built to run in the cloud or other distributed environments, this database attempts to combine the benefits of traditional RDBMSes with the benefits of NoSQL. It comes in community and enterprise versions or Riak CS which provides a platform for cloud storage. Operating System: Linux, OS X

Document Management Systems (DMS)

27. OpenKM

Designed for use by both small and large companies, OpenKM includes features like a Web 2.0 interface, document control version, content and metadata search, mobility support and more. It comes in community, professional or cloud versions, and the company also offers training services. Operating System: OS Independent.

28. LogicalDOC

This DMS aims to reduce your document retrieval time from hours to just seconds. The cloud-based version adds the benefit of allowing users to access documents from any device, anywhere. Operating System: OS Independent.

29. OpenDocMan

This Web-based document management system complies with ISO 17025 and OIE standards. It comes as a free download, a commercial appliance or a hosted service, and additional paid services are also available. Operating System: OS Independent.

E-Commerce

30. Magento

Owned by eBay, Magento offers a full-service e-commerce platform that’s used by more than 110,000 online merchants. The open source platform is also available as a hosted service called Magento Go. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

31. Fishop.NET

Fishop describes itself as a “no frills” e-commerce solution. You can try a demo right from the site, and you can purchase it on an SaaS basis (with prices in euros). Operating System: Windows.

E-mail/Collaboration/Groupware

32. Collabtive

Very similar to Basecamp, Collabtive helps users track projects, milestones, tasks and working time. You can deploy the open source version on your own server or use the hosted service. Operating System: OS Independent.

33. Group-Office

Group-Office combines traditional Web-based groupware with CRM, file sharing and project management capabilities. The hosted version comes free for the first month, with pricing thereafter determined by the number of users. Operating System: OS Independent.

34. Zimbra

The server versions of Zimbra offer an alternative to Microsoft Exchange, while the desktop client provides an alternative to Outlook. The link above explains the various on-premise and cloud-based deployment options. Operating System: Linux, Unix, OS X.

35. cyn.in

Cyn.in combines wikis, social networks, blogs, file sharing repositories, micro blogs, discussion boards and other communication applications into a unified enterprise collaboration solution. You can choose the free open source version, the SaaS version or the paid on-premise appliance. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

36. Feng Office

Created with professional services organizations in mind, Feng Office now boasts more than 350,000 users. It comes in a “Feng Sky” version that runs in the cloud, as well as free community and commercially supported on-premise versions. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

37. EGroupware

With millions of users, EGroupware claims to be “the leading Online Collaboration Tool and the top choice for big enterprises, small businesses and teams within and across organizations all over the globe.” The company offers the software on a hosted basis, in addition to the community and enterprise versions. Operating System: OS Independent.

38. TeamLab

This app for small businesses combines social networking features with project and document management. In addition to the open source version that you can host yourself, the company also offers it as an SaaS or through Amazon EC2. Operating System: OS Independent.

39. Ofuz

Best for teams, freelancers, and service providers, Ofuz tracks contacts, organizes leads, manages projects, tracks your time, creates invoices, sends e-mail and more. While it’s technically still a beta, both the open source download and the SaaS online version are both useable. Operating System: OS Independent.

40. allocPSA

This Web-based tool for professional services organizations allows users to track projects, people, time sheets, invoicing and clients. In addition to the SaaS version available through the link above, it also comes in a community download with commercial support available. Operating System: OS Independent.

41. Citadel

Citadel is a mail server that claims a reputation for being “easy to install, easy to use, easy to live with.” The link above provides information about using Citadel in the cloud as a hosted service, but you can also download and deploy it on your own servers. Operating System: Linux.

E-mail Marketing

42. OpenEMM

Downloaded more than 300,000 times, OpenEMM calls itself the “#1 open source application for e-mail marketing,” and because it’s been under development since 1999, it’s also one of the oldest and most mature tools of its kind. The link above will connect you with the open source download, but commercial support, services, hosting and an SaaS version are available through project owner Agnitas. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

43. phpList

With 10,000 downloads per month, phpList says it’s “the world’s most popular open source email campaign manager.” The software also comes in a beta hosted version with fees based on the number of messages sent. Operating System: OS Independent.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

44. Open ERP

Open ERP provides CRM, purchasing, manufacturing, warehouse management, project management, accounting, human resources, marketing, invoicing, payroll and application building capabilities. It comes in three versions: community, enterprise or the OpenERP Online hosted solution. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

45. Openbravo

One of the most popular open source ERP solutions, Openbravo offers an intuitive interface, integrated data model and modular design for maximum agility and ROI. It’s not available in an SaaS version, but the company does offer an appliance version that’s ready to deploy on the Amazon Web Services cloud. Operating System: OS Independent.

46. xTuple PostBooks

Open source xTuple PostBooks offers an integrated accounting, ERP and CRM solution. The xTuple software also comes in numerous commercial editions, and it’s also available in a cloud version deployed on Amazon’s infrastructure. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

47. Compiere

This highly adaptable ERP solution for large, multi-site companies offers the features multi-national companies need, including massive scalability. In addition to the open source version, it comes in professional and enterprise version that users can deploy on their own servers or in Amazon’s cloud. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

48. opentaps

Opentaps incorporates e-commerce, customer relationship management, warehouse and inventory management, supply chain management, financial management and business intelligence features. The company boasts that you can deploy the software in just minutes with its Amazon Machine Images (AMI) for the Amazon Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2). Operating System: Windows, Linux.

49. TNT Concept

Best for small to medium-sized enterprises or independent professionals, this software describes itself as a “tool for Management of Operational Effectiveness.” It’s not a substitute for accounting software, but a complementary piece of software that eliminates the need for the multiple spreadsheets that many small business owners and managers use to run their companies. It’s also available on an SaaS basis. Operating System: OS Independent.

50. ERP5

ERP5 combines ERP functionality with CRM, supply chain management, material requirements planning and product data management. It’s also available in a paid enterprise version and both free and paid SaaS versions. Operating System: Linux.

Human Resource Management (HRM)

51. Orange HRM

Claiming more than a million users, OrganeHRM considers itself “the world’s most popular Open Source Human Resource Management Software (HRMS).” It also comes in a “Live” SaaS version that takes just 15 minutes to set up. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

52. WaypointHR

Similar to Orange, WaypointHR tracks personnel information, attendance and leave, contract details, discipline, performance reviews and more. It also comes in a hosted, on-demand version. Operating System: OS Independent.

53. Open Applicant

Rather than a complete HR management tool, this app is specifically designed to assist with the hiring process. Besides the open source version, the company also offers a hosted version and commercial support. Operating System: OS Independent.

Hypervisors

54. Xen

Xen has become the industry standard open source hypervisor, and it’s used by many public cloud computing services, including Amazon and Rackspace. It’s operating system-neutral, lightweight, secure and offers good performance. Operating System: OS Independent.

55. KVM

Short for “Kernel-based Virtual Machine,” KVM is owned by Red Hat and included in the main Linux kernel. Unlike Xen, it only runs on x86 systems. Operating System: Linux.

Investment Tracking and Management

56. JStock

JStock allows investors to track stocks on 26 world stock markets. Features include alerts, charting, market chitchat and cloud storage. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Invoicing

57. SimpleInvoices

This Web-based app makes it easy to create PDF invoices for your small business and track them. You can install it on your own server and PC or use one of the third-party hosting providers listed on the site. Operating System: OS Independent.

58. Argentum

Top features of this Web-based invoicing solution include client management, invoice generation and tracking, time tracking and management, and support for multiple languages and currencies. The company also offers paid support or a hosted solution in addition to the open source software. Operating System: OS Independent.

Network Monitoring

59. Opsview

With Opsview, enterprises can monitor their cloud, physical and hybrid infrastructure all from a single tool. It comes in both a free community download or a paid enterprise version, with an optional mobile module and other services available. Operating System: Linux.

Operating System

60. RedHat

RedHat offers a variety of resources for running its flagship enterprise operating system in the cloud. The site also includes a list of RedHat partners who offer related cloud computing products and services.

61. SUSE

Another well-known enterprise Linux provider, Novell offers a cloud program for SUSE. It includes services for vendors who want to offer cloud services built on SUSE and information for organizations that want to build private clouds using SUSE.

62. Ubuntu

At this site, Canonical provides a wealth of information about using Ubuntu in public and private clouds. It also offers Juju, a service orchestration tool, and AWSOME, a tool for migrating from Amazon Web Services to OpenStack-based architecture.

63. EasyPeasy

Designed as a cloud OS, EasyPeasy is a very lean version of Linux that’s ideal for netbooks or other devices used primarily to access the Internet. It offers low power consumption, social networking integration and more.

64. Joli OS

Joli OS describes itself as “the ultimate desktop for the cloud.” It aims to bring new life to old PCs with an extremely simple-to-use version of Linux that comes with 1,500 apps. It’s used on more than 750,000 systems.

65. Peppermint

Another Linux distribution designed to be cloud- and Web-centric, Peppermint boasts that it is “sleek, user friendly and insanely fast.” With a very small footprint, it loads and shuts down very quickly, and you don’t have to be an uber-geek to use it.

Platform as a Service

66. OpenShift

Built on Red Hat’s open source software, OpenShift allows developers to write and deploy their applications in just minutes. It supports Java, Ruby, Node.js, Python, PHP and Perl, and because it’s built with open technology, there’s no vendor lock-in. Operating System: Linux.

67. Cloud Foundry

Sponsored by VMware, Cloud Foundry is both an open source project and a PaaS based on that open source software. It offers support for multiple languages and multiple frameworks. Operating System: Linux.

68. Cloud9 IDE

This online IDE supports Javascript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, PHP, Java, Ruby and 23 other programming languages. The source code for the IDE is available through GitHub, and the PaaS is free for open source projects or $15 per month for private projects. Operating System: OS Independent.

Project Management

69. Onepoint Project

Onepoint Project offers enterprise-class project management with fast deployment and quick ROI. It comes in a variety of open source and commercial editions; the group and enterprise editions can be deployed on-premise or used on demand. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

School Management/Learning Management Systems

70. openSIS

OpenSIS boasts that it can save school systems 75 percent compared to closed source student information systems. It comes in three versions: community, school, and district. The school and district options are also available as a hosted solution. Operating System: OS Independent.

71. Canvas

Instructure’s Canvas learning management system helps teachers and parents track the academic progress of K-12 students. The link above connects with the commercial and cloud versions, but you can download the source code from GitHub. Operating System: Linux, Unix, OS X.

Time Tracking

72. TimeTrex

This open source solution handles scheduling, employee time tracking, job estimates and payroll tasks. It’s also available in a cloud-based “On Demand” version. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

VPN

73. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is available as a open source community download, a commercially supported enterprise solution or as a cloud-based service. All three versions offer a secure, private way to access the Internet or your organization’s network. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.